Interdicted Teso teacher surrenders to police after arson attack

Teso, Kenya: An interdicted secondary school teacher in Teso South has surrendered to the police following arson attacks on the Principal and his deputy.

The St. James Kwang’amoru Mixed Secondary School teacher poured two liters of petrol in the Principal’s office before lighting it using a match box.

Area Sub County Education Officer Bonventure Wasikoyo said the arsonist then tried to lock the door from outside with Principal Patrick Okubala and deputy Violet Ondari inside.

Wasikoyo said quick intervention by the arsonist’s colleague Donald Omoit rescued the duo from death by fighting off the attacker as students also joined in the rescue mission.

Ondari suffered 18 per cent burns on the legs and arms which left her clothes burnt while the Principal escaped unhurt after he dived under the raging flames.

Wasikoyo said the arsonists whose motorcycle and mobile phone were recovered at the scene then presented himself to Mateka Police post in Bumula sub County. He was transferred to Bungoma Police station.

Speaking at Amukura Health Centre before she was transferred to St Mary’s Mission hospital in Mumias, Ondari said she was a victim of circumstances and appealed for transfer.

Narrating her ordeal, Ondari said she was the secretary of the Board of Management meeting on Friday that interdicted the teacher over claims he had love affairs with female students.

The BOM also found the teacher guilty of absenteeism and inciting the teachers against the school principal which the Board said was unacceptable.

“It appears I was the main target of attack from the teacher who thought I was armed with the minutes that will send him packing," she said.

Kwang’amoru Location chief Mary Ariku said the teacher had moved his household property to an undisclosed destination the same Friday after the Board delivered the verdict to interdict him.

Wasikoyo said the teacher would be moved to Teso South where the police will start criminal proceedings against him.

“The sexual behavior of the arsonist contravenes the Sexual Offence Act of 2006 which if left unabated will affect the standard of education in the sub County,” Wasikoyo said.